About the respondents
254 parents and carers shared their thoughts on the HAF 2023 Easter Programme. All questions were optional, so some responses will total less than 254.
Age
- 195 responses were from parents and carers for primary school aged children (4-10 years).
- 59 responses were from parents and carers for secondary school aged children (11 years +).
Free school meal eligibility
- 216 parents and carers responded for children eligible for benefits related free school meals.
- 38 parents and carers responded for children not eligible for benefits related free school meals.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- 162 parents and carers were responded for a child without SEND.
- 76 parents and carers responded for a child with SEND.
Experience using HAF schemes
- 96 parents and carers used HAF for the first time this Easter.
- 155 parents and carers have used HAF before.
How did you hear about HAF?
The most common routes of communication for parents and carers were (in order):
- School (153)
- Social media/ internet (44)
- Other
- Friends
- Word of mouth
- Leaflet/ Poster
Other routes of communication included: HAF Website, Council email, direct correspondence to/from provider, Family Support Worker, Young Carers Programme, Devon County Council email bulletin, Ukrainian Coordinator.
What encouraged you to book your child in to the chosen HAF scheme?
The most common reasons for choosing a scheme were (in order):
- Range of activities (94)
- Make new friends (40)
- Other
- Club was fully funded
- Lean new things
- Helped financially
Other responses included: All of the above; hot food and activities; keeps routine; suitable time away from school for their child’s needs; mix of familiar and new friends; highly trained staff who are used to supporting young people with complex needs; activities they would otherwise not be able to do.
What did you think about the food on offer at the HAF scheme?
254 people responded to this question. 94 responses were ‘good’ (38%).
Responses were mixed between liking the choices on offer and asking for a wider range of meals/menu.
The breakfast offer was appreciated as a good way to start the day, with good range of options for ‘fussy children’ and those with complex needs. Families appreciated where providers had a back-up option.
Enjoyed process of preparing food from homegrown produce.
Parents appreciated speaking to caterers each morning at one scheme.
The food was healthy and the children enjoyed the meals. Many said their child tried new foods and flavours.
Meal options could vary more each day.
Meals could be bigger for teenagers.